The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a new benefit will combine the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit. This benefit is for people who have stopped working because of COVID-19.

This benefit is paid in blocks of four weeks in the amount of $2,000, which is equivalent to $500 per week. A maximum 16 weeks of benefits can be paid. The benefit payments are available from March 15, 2020, to October 3, 2020, and you can apply no later than December 2, 2020.

This is a one-time special payment for low- and modest-income families which will be made by early May.

It will provide an average boost to income for those eligible of $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.

No application is required as this is part of the normal GST credit program.

Enhanced Canada Child Benefit

To help support families in light of COVID-19, there will be an increase to the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year of $300 per child. There is no application needed as this will be part of the existing CCB program, and the extra contribution should be made on the regular May payment.

Will provide $300 per household and $500 per household with dependents per month to help pay residential rent for April, May and June

Open to low-to-moderate income individuals ($74,150 for singles and couples without dependents and $113,040 for households with dependents)

Applicants must be paying at least 30% of their current household monthly income to rent, and must also be eligible for/receiving Employment Insurance, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, or can show a 25% decline in monthly income

Also includes a freeze on evictions and rent increases, and limitations on the use of common property and access to units by landlords

Applications to be accepted at an upcoming time via BC Housing

Supports for Those on Provincial Income/Disability Assistance, and Low-Income Seniors

Any Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payments will be exempted and will not see benefit reduced/clawed back

The Province will provide an automatic $300-monthly COVID-19 crisis supplement for the next three months to individuals, provided they are not eligible for the CERB or other federal COVID-19 benefits

Freezing B.C. Student Loan Payments

BC student loan payments will be suspended for six months, starting March 30, 2020

Support for People Unable to Pay Monthly Bills

BC Hydro

Residential customers who have lost their jobs or are unable to work as a result of COVID-19 will receive a credit to help cover the cost of their electricity bills. The credit will be three times their average monthly bill over the past year at their home and does not have to be repaid.

Online applications start April 6

Ongoing BC Hydro rates have been cut by 1%

ICBC

People on a monthly payment plan who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19 may defer their payment for up to 90 days with no penalty. Read more.

FortisBC

Fortis will be waiving late payment fees and ensuring no customer is disconnected from the energy they need for financial reasons. They will also be available to help their customers with flexible payment options. Read more.